Côte d’Ivoire is a country in West Africa, although it was commonly known in English as the Ivory Coast, the Ivorian government officially discourages this usage, preferring the French name Côte d’Ivoire to be used in all languages. It borders the countries of Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north and Ghana to the east. Its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. Its total area is 124,502 square mile and the capital is Yamoussoukro. Abidjan, is the largest city and the administrative center. Ivory Coast is divided into nineteen regions.
Ivory Coast is a presidential republic, whereby the President of Côte d’Ivoire is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Current President Laurent Gbagbo and current Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (2010). The population continues to suffer because of an ongoing civil war. A new presidential election was expected, but new election could not be held on time due to delay in preparation and has been postponed to 2006, and then numerous times to 2010.
Ivory Coast was once one of the richest countries in West Africa, because the political situation over the past fifteen years, only became more unstable, the civil war still continues today, is it a country with a lot of debt and misery. In 2008 there was a negative travel advice issued because the country is not safe for tourists.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix the Yamoussoukro is a Roman Catholic church in Yamoussoukro, the capital of Ivory Coast. The original design was based on St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and has thirty-six enormous stained glass windows. The Guinness Book of Records states that the church is the largest in the world. The basilica can accommodate 18,000 visitors. The building is 518 feet high and domed church is the highest in the world.
The food in Ivory Coast is cheap and tasty and in the real African cities and homes, it is eaten with the hands. In the street they sell Aloco, this is banana in palm oil and spiced with steamed onions, it tastes delicious with grilled fish.
You find beautiful nature in the form of white beaches, forests, mountains, rain forests and oases. The music and wood carving are equally special. The town of Man is known for the African masks, during the festival of masks, in this city shall occur Yacouba dancers. La Cascade is a beautiful waterfall and the Tooth of Man attracts many people, this is a mountain in the shape of a tooth.
Parc National de Taï rainforest with a giant tree and Parc National de la Comoé, the largest protected game reserve in West Africa are also beautiful.
For traveling to Ivory Coast, you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate. Your passport must be valid 3 months beyond intended stay and you must show tickets and documents for return or onward travel. International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required, upon arrival from all countries, if the traveler is more than 1 year of age.
